New Delhi: The government has approved the Indian Leather Development Programme (ILDP), entailing expenditure of about Rs 990 crore, for implementation during the 12th Plan period (2012-17) for overall development of the sector.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the central sector scheme ILDP for implementation during the 12th Plan period aiming at overall development of the leather sector," an official release said.

The Indian Leather Development Programme (ILDP) was implemented in the 11th Plan under 13 sub-schemes and an expenditure of Rs 669.02 crore was incurred during the period.

Six sub-schemes are being proposed for continuation from the 11th Plan period for implementation during the 12th Plan with total outlay of Rs 990.36 crore, the release said.

Implementation of the programme would provide trained manpower to the industry and assistance to overcome the constraints of infrastructure in the industry besides efforts for addressing environmental concerns, the release said.

About 2 lakh unemployed people would be provided placement linked skill development training under the HRD sub-scheme. "Skill upgradation of existing employees and training to trainers would also be provided," the release said, adding 30,000 artisans would be covered through the common facilitating centre support, marketing linkages, micro finance and by forming self help group for enhancing skill and income.

It also envisages infrastructure support in the form of mega leather clusters, establishing infrastructure and pilot projects for environment protection, establishment of two new branches of Footwear Design and Development Institute and providing assistance for modernization and technology upgradation of leather units.

During the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 of the 12th Plan period, the implementation has been continued, during which, 49,505 unemployed people have been provided placement linked skill development training all over India out of which 38,699 trainees have been placed in the industry, it said. It also said that support has been provided to 13,398 artisans in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra and West Bengal.